Open Your Hips With These 4 Poses

These Poses Will Really Open You Up!

It is said that your hips are one of those areas in your body that tend to store toxins. If you are finding yourself getting anxious more often, or going through emotional swings, it could have something to do with the negative energy that has been building up over time. Most people don’t realize it, but when your energy balance is off, they start to feel the effects of negative energy. This includes moments of depression, anxiety, and lack of patience.

A great way to release negative energy and toxins is through practicing yoga. The hips are one of those areas that aren’t given a whole lot of attention so we are about to change that!

The following 4 poses focus on the hips and will help you release those toxins that have been having a negative effect on your well being.

See the poses below and be sure to pass this along to those in your life that could use some relief in their lives.

Low Lunge

Lunges are great for targeting the groin, thighs and inner hips. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, whether it be from traveling or working, can cause the body to feel stiff, which leads to tightness and can ultimately stir up negativity, or allow it to settle into the body.

How to do it: Begin in a high lunge and then lower your back knee to the ground. Since your back knee is planted, it’s safe to continue pressing the hips forward. With each breath, allow yourself to sink into the hips a little deeper.

Happy Baby

Nothing sounds more like releasing negativity than a pose referred to as “happy.” This calming hip opener offers a gentle way to let it all go.

How to do it: Lying on your back, bend your knees into your chest, holding onto the inner or outer blades of the feet with your hands. Using the strength of your arms, press your knees towards the floor. Gently rock from side to side to provide your spine with an indulgent massage as you inhale calmness and exhale tension.

Low Yogi Squat (Malasana)

Squats dig deep into the lower body. This empowering pose allows you to both stretch your hips as well as open up your lower back (an important combination!).

How to do it: To get into it, stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips, toes facing outward. Bend your knees and squat low until your hips are hovering above the ground. To intensify the stretch, bring your palms to heart center and press your elbows against the inside of your knees.

Standing Figure 4 Pose

One of the most beautiful things about balancing poses is how important it is to have a mental focus. This allows your racing thoughts to dissipate.

How to do it: Lifting one leg high, rest the lifted ankle on the opposing thigh (above the knee joint) as you begin to bend into your standing leg and sink back into chair pose. Keep the lifted foot flexed for safety. You can bring your palms to heart center, and press your elbows to the foot and the knee of the crossed leg. This will allow your hips to open more, as you bend deeper into your standing leg. Option: fold over the bent leg for a deeper stretch.